A café, where the owner was subject to racism, could soon become the first hate crime reporting hub in the Dover district.

Peter St Ange, 55, has revealed the huge support he has received since he spoke out in June about a racist incident at his Walmer Green establishment.

He had been told by one of his regular customers that some people in the town were referring to him and his business, which was formerly a public toilet, as W** in the Bog.

He responded by announcing in the media his plans to stamp out racism in the town with a campaign about unity.

He’s since been contacted by a number of groups who want to link up with him including Kent Police’s community liaison officer Tanya Clark.

The two are working to make the café a place for people who want to report hate crimes.

Diversity and inclusion officer PC John Ansell of Kent Police said: "Hate crimes are abhorrent and we are committed to giving victims as many different ways as possible to report incidents to us.

"We understand some people do not feel comfortable speaking to the police directly, and in November last year we announced the launch of a new initiative in Medway where victims can report offences to specially trained volunteers at locations throughout the community.

"The feedback so far has been very positive and we are currently working with this café in Walmer with a view to launching what would be the first hate crime reporting hub in the Dover district."

Calling Time on Racism, a community group based in Thanet, have gifted anti-racism coasters to the business and also asked Mr St Ange to be a guest speaker at their next meeting.

Mr St Ange, who served in the Royal Green Jackets 2nd Battalion from 1979 to 1984, was also unexpectedly visited by his old colleagues who read his story online. Offering their support, they brought the regiment flag which is now a new feature within the café.

He said: “There’s been amazing support which has confirmed to me that most people are of the idea that our differences are something to celebrated rather than something to be feared.

“There’s been a lot of vocal support. I’ve had people that haven’t been here for a while and people that have never been come in.

“It really has rippled. It gives me confidence that I’m on the right track.”

Mr St Ange has moved forward with his campaign by re-naming his café from Sea Café on the Green to Sea Café Coffee Shop.

New signs show a black hand shaking a white hand alongside different religious symbols and a gay pride rainbow flag.

His end goal is to host a Oneness Festival promoting conversation about equality.

Victims of hate crimes can report incidents directly to Kent Police by visiting www.kent.police.uk/report or by calling 101.

Further support and information can also be accessed at www.kent.police.uk/advice/hate-crime.